The sun shone in the blue Munich sky the day after the game to match the sunny disposition of the FCB first team squad at the recovery training session in the morning. “We want to maintain this flow and confidence,” said Arjen Robben after the 6-0 thrashing handed out to FC Augsburg where two factors played a key role in the victory for the record champions: high tempo and desire right to the end of the match. “I really, really liked it,” said Robben, “that’s the only time it’s fun.”
Bayern exuded confidence and desire from the kick-off. In summer-like temperatures, Robert Lewandowski (17’) opened the scoring with a fine finish from one of several pin-point passes from the outstanding Thiago. The rest of the match for the Pole was a formality. “We got off to a good start and moved the ball well,” declared returnee Jérôme Boateng, who made an impressive comeback, “that makes it difficult to play against us.” Thomas Müller (36’) doubled the lead just before half-time as the opposition provided by the “initially aggressive” Augsburg side appeared to wilt away.
Bayern remained on the front foot after the restart. “We really got going,” said Boateng. “It’s much harder if you lose tempo,” explained Robben who came off the bench, “it’s less fun. This was good. It doesn’t use up much energy. Of course, you do run,get involved and give your all. But you win a lot back mentally. It’s good for your head.” And the other goals from Lewandowski (55’/79’), Thiago (62’) and Müller with his second (80’) made it 6-0 for Bayern.
“Won’t be giving anything away”
Sven Ulreich, who replaced the injured Manuel Neuer, had a quiet afternoon between the sticks. “It’s normal not having to do much playing in goal for Bayern,” said the keeper after his second Bundesliga appearance for FCB. “I’m happy when I get the chance to show what I can do – but that didn’t happen today. The main thing is the three points.” The shot-stopper does enjoy the confidence of his team-mates: “He didn’t have much to do but we have confidence in him when he’s in goal,” said Lewandowski.
Ulreich can expect a busier day on Tuesday when Bayern take on TSG Hoffenheim in a top-of-the-table encounter. “They’re on a run,” said the keeper, “It will be a very interesting game at their place.” “They won’t be giving anything away,” said Müller in sounding a warning about the third-placed opposition, “they’re a good team with loads of quality.” FCB do not want to rest on the 13-point cushion at the top of the league, “we have to move up a gear,” said Robben. “Even if we’re winning 2-0 or 3-0 we have to be more ruthless. That’s the only way we can maintain our top form to the end of the season.” Müller added: “We’re playing against good teams every three or days. We want to be up for it and put in a good performance.”
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